spa

Everyday

1. A place with natural mineral water springs, where people go to drink or bathe in the water to feel healthier. tree →
2. A town that grew up around such springs. tree →
3. A place where people go to relax and have treatments such as massages, saunas and pools. tree →
4. (US, Australia, NZ) A hot tub, a small heated pool with bubbling water. tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography, spa towns such as Bath in England grew around warm springs. In everyday life «a spa day» means a day of relaxing treatments. In Australia and New Zealand «a spa» often means a hot tub at a house or hotel. Phrases: «spa town», «spa day», «day spa», «spa bath».

Examples

• Bath is a famous spa town with hot springs. tree →
• Mum went to a spa for her birthday treat. tree →
• The hotel has a pool and a spa. tree →
• We sat in the spa in the backyard after swimming. tree →
• People once travelled to spas to drink the mineral water. tree →
• The spa offers massages and face masks. tree →
• Never stay in a hot spa for too long, or you may feel faint. tree →

Note

Use «a spa» (spa starts with an «s» sound); plural «spas». It is pronounced «spah». In safety, hot tubs and spas can be dangerous for small children: always have an adult watching. Do not confuse «spa» with «spar» (a pole, or to practise boxing).